FREE: In the Heart of The Sea~The Tragedy of The Whaleship Essex by Nathanial Philbrick~Historical Sea

The listing, In the Heart of The Sea~The Tragedy of The Whaleship Essex by Nathanial Philbrick~Historical Sea has ended.

The main events in this book took place in the time period of 1819-1821. The Essex was based on Nantucket Island, and in the first part of the book there is a very interesting history of Nantucket and the Whaling Trade. Enough information is given so that we understand the world that the men of the Essex lived in, and the ordeal that lay before them.

The Essex was believed to be a lucky ship, but that reputation of good luck would soon be overwhelmed at sea. After several months at sea, the Essex was attacked and rammed by an eighty-five foot whale. It is fascinating to read about the attack of the giant whale on the ship, and to realize that the attacking whale was the actual basis for the whale in "Moby Dick".

The Essex was severely damaged and in danger of sinking after the whale attack, and the crew faced the grim prospect of a desperate journey in open boats across the Pacific Ocean. The story of their battle for survival with little food or hope of rescue will grip your heart.

Terrible choices of survival had to be made, and there are graphic accounts of starvation and cannibalism in the book.

trade sized paperback, small tear at spine/cover edge.